Founder’s Note on Pilates Grip Socks

Our silicone-based grip is designed to perform across reformers, studio flooring and exercise mats, but traction can vary depending on the specific surface and material you’re using them on. They tend to have their strongest traction on harder surfaces like reformers and wood studio floors. On certain mats, carpeted surfaces or softer materials, the experience may feel different. This can be true across many grip sock brands.

As for fit, your sock should fit securely against your foot without excess fabric or movement. If you’re between sizes, we recommend sizing down for the most secure, snug fit. Our grips are also designed to feel low-profile underfoot, so whether you’re barefoot in the studio or wearing them inside a sneaker, you should barely notice they’re there.

Café Après wasn’t created because pilates really became popular in the past couple of years (let’s be honest, it’s always been popular – but recently there was a giant boom). We started developing the brand awhile back, as people who genuinely loved pilates and simply wanted a better quality grip sock. By the time the category really took off, we had already spent years refining our product. We didn’t enter the space to capitalize on a fitness trend. We were already here, building something we believed we needed and something we wanted.

This mindset still leads everything we make. We pride ourselves on original, athletic designs that feel considered rather than trend-driven. We don’t build collections around viral phrases or graphics, and we don’t dropship or use AI to showcase our products. Every piece is made intentionally, from construction and materials to the smallest visual details. We’ve chosen manufacturers that reflect this and understand our needs.

We’ve been purposely wearing our original samples since 2023, so grip performance and longevity are something we’ve been very intentional about from the beginning.